Kayra Kerala Cuisine - Taman Tun Dr Ismail (Kuala Lumpur)

When the main stream media propositionally sensationalize and positively blow flying high up big soap bubbles on restaurants, I bet most of us tend to get carried away with it. Okay, I’m not any better. I make it a point to read most of the printed media food reviews and then, I’m akin on roller blades in wanting to try out the restaurants too. If I am not mistaken, a year back I read about Kayra Taman Tun and from there on, this Kerala restaurant has been sashed in my spilling over pending list of food venture. But as usual, what I look forward to and where I actually end up is the ball juggling game of my life. Instead of heading to Kayra in between the year, I actually ended up at the real-deal-real-time Kerala (Kerala Day 4 & 5) where I truly indulged in their highly spoken about cuisine. Thumbs up. Kerala food won my heart big time. Fresh water/sea catch, freshly grounded spices and generously loaded with fresh coconut milk and coconut oil. 

Moom Sabai Restaurant - Taman Bayu Perdana (Klang)

Indian food again for dinner (A MuthuHouse of Briyani)? Nooo! Of course not. Impossible (more at Hua Xing Restaurant). Thai food at the close by Moon Sabai Restaurant, also, a familiar ground for my friend we agreed should be the take. Absolutely (Thai Thai Sunway), anytime for the truly loved quintessential Thai flavours (Thai Green Crab Curry & Thai Laksa),  thankfully the route to Moom Sabai was not through the massive jam across the shop lots on this Friday late evening. But, quite frustrating it was driving via the inner roads haphazardly double parked almost all the way from the apartments behind. Anyway, instead of the typical Malaysian mentality of double parking albeit availability of parking further up, we somehow carefully maneuvered to the nearest parking spot. 

Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad

I love all things Malaysian herbs and spices. Must I also mention that I am a typical Malaysian who will never ever compromise our Malaysian food (Mutton Rendang, Nasi Kerabu & Nasi Ulam) for anything else in this world? Our Malaysian cuisine? They are such a tremendous delight and on the whole, when we speak about our Malaysian salad? Generally, in the family of Malay salads. How can we go wrong? We can't in fact. Our Malaysian raw salad (Kerabu Taugeh, Kerabu Kacang Botol & Kerabu Mangga) is so easy to put together. In fact for a fact, most raw salads (Vegetable Raita, Asian Watermelon Salad, Mango Cucumber Salad, Apple Cucumber Salad & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad? The central master key for the scent and aroma is obviously, bunga kantan (ginger torch bud) which I am still struggling in growing. Just can't get right no matter what so far. Nevermind, we can still buy? A dollar most probably for one. Making this salad? Ingredients listed below, but no hard and soft rules to the amount of ingredients. As little or as much as you like. Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad? Crunchiness, tadbit of spiciness, tanginess and wondrous aroma of ginger torch bud. 

Sardine Varuval (Dry Style)

Tuna or Sardine? Sardine mostly. Fresh sardine or canned sardines? Both goes strongly and tremendously (Mathi Achar & Nadan Sardine Curry). But stocking up canned sardines has become a habit I can't let go. Basically like if I don't stock up, seemingly my grocery doing is not complete. How about you? You are like me? You must have sardines in cans in your pantry? Actually, its a good thing because canned sardines will never ever let us down (Sardin Masak Lemak & Sardine Rolls). Unlike our husbands who sometimes can drive us up the wall? Even canned tuna as well (Tuna Thoran, Tuna Burgers & Tuna Cutlets). I mean, canned tuna being our cooking saviour. What's the story to me making this Sardine Varuval (Sardine Sambal & Sardine Potato)? The same food story in fact. Always a favourite (Jeera Aloo/Potato & Meen Puttu) and imagine sardine varuval alongside rice soaking or fully flooded by rasam or sambar. Heaven called easily fab meal right? I know (Udupi Sambar & Pepper Garlic Rasam). We Indians and our fingers to eating for happy tummy sardine varuval meal? What more should I possibly say? Nothing. Dive into Sardine Varuval at your pleasure (Chicken Varuval & Mutton Varuval). 

Vegan Tom Yum Soup

Thai cuisine or even tom yam/tom yum for the matter. A big Thai matter actually for me. You name it, I have it (Thai Fried Chicken, Thai Steamed Fish, Thai Crispy Fish & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad) and tom yum by itself has been a good and great making exploration on the whole. Basically, because we simply love slurping into tom yum soups or other Thai conclusive soups. Just so satisfying to our palates mind you, especially for their big, profound and utterly magical spicy, tangy and aromatic tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Tom Yam Goong, Tom Kha Gai, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). Today, ladies and gentlemen, its Vegan Tom Yum Soup. In fact, can be regarded as a vegetarian version as well. Make the broth and then go ahead by adding the rest of the ingredients as listed for a sincerely appreciated Vegan Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yam Fried Rice, Tom Yam Chicken & Tom Yam Mee Hoon). 

Kerabu Taugeh

Kerabu? Remember those kerabu or Malaysian raw salads I have already shared with all you guys (Kerabu Kacang Botol, Kerabu Mangga & Kerabu Kaki Ayam)? Plus of course, the rest from this and that part of Asian Continent (Cambodian Green Mango Salad, Sri Lankan Carrot Salad & Asian Watermelon Salad) and me, the Indian who just so love our ulam, local herbs and Malaysian local produce for my cooking and eating pleasure (Nasi Ulam, Kacang Buncis Cili, Sambal Belimbing, Gado Gado & Nasi Dagang)? Tell me please and I will return willingly tell you on this Kerabu Taugeh, aka, Bean Sprouts Salad. Obviously, point blank said, you need beansprouts which you just need to break the brown bottom of them and then, if you asking me, just buy the kerisik (pan fried and pounded grated coconut). What's next? Quickly blanch bean sprouts (Bean Sprouts Omelette & Bean Sprouts Salted Fish) and tossed alongside kerisik, shallots, red chillies, coriander leaves, spring onion, lime juice, sugar and salt. Refreshing, crunchy, spicy, tangy and aromatic Kerabu Taugeh/Bean Sprouts Salad is ready. Go ahead everyone. Devour in.  

Teh Tarik Place - Empire Shopping Gallery (Subang Jaya)

Friends meet-up, bouncing me back to Empire Shopping Mall (Vivo). Whether its my favorite mall or not, maybe that's besides the point, definitely I vouch Empire Mall is conductive and convenient for me (Kitchen Art Brasserie & Pasta Zanmai). Nearby where I work and because its generally an early lunch compared to the standard allocated office ruling lunch time, I can be in Empire without much major brewing trouble troubling me (Nyonya Colours & Serai Empire). Then again, tell me please about Malaysians and punctuality? Never been, consequently, I don't think will ever be the general consensus virtue. Therefore, to be amongst Malaysians who will find 100 and one reasons for not making it on time, you gotto have loads of patience. I awaited. I didn't have a choice. I prior agreed over meeting the two friends. Finally, after almost half an hour, I saw the light at the end of our Malaysian punctuality tunnel. Friend arrived, in a jiffy we agreed upon Teh Tarik Place.

FIsh Ball Noodle Soup

Fish Ball Noodle Soup. No, no. Not market bought fish balls, but made from a scratch, home made fish balls. Yes. Indeed. I made fish balls for a change. Can you believe it? For someone like me who is, if not always, sometimes taking the door to ready made ingredients (Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup, Sichuan Noodle Soup &  Bee Hoon Soup), I actually did it for these fish balls in noodles and soup. Why, are you asking me? Well, what should I tell you? Maybe because I wanted fish broth (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup & Vietnamese Fish Soup) from the bones after carefully stripping away fish flesh (Yong Tau Foo) for fish balls. Not bad right? I know. In fact, we had a ball of a time over this Fish Ball Noodle Soup. Really bouncy and no smell soft fish balls, and as I have already told you, fish bones and skin simmered for extracting the broth (Nyonya Spicy Fish Noodle Soup, Salted Fish Bone Soup, Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Assam Laksa). Next? Hand crafted and hand rolled fish balls cooked in the broth till they floated atop and together with the broth, generously poured over noodles, garnished with fried shallots and fried basil leaves atop just my invention at the spur of the moment from the basil leaves grown in my garden. Of course, you can use spring onion or even coriander leaves. Conclusively, Fish Ball Noodle Soup, wouldn't you agree is making your hungry right now and imagine, what a feeling when tucked in during and after rain has fallen down from the sky (Hokkien Hae Mee, Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup)?

Thai Thai Revisited - Sunway Pyramid

Back, back to Sunway Pyramid for a quick shopping spree and back again to Thai Thai. Quite a regrettable decision actually as Thai Thai spilled over with customers during this Ramadhan month. So service?  No where to be seen despite patiently calling over and over. Finally after 10 minutes, the female staff came with the menu and kept apologising. As soon as she suggested the dishes, I melted and anger was forgotten but since hunger was unbearable, I reminded her to speed up with the first dish.  

Maggi Goreng Mamak

Maggi Goreng Mamak. The number fried noodle selling. In fact, each time we head to the mamak stalls, its like a habit or food lingo we must call for a plate of Maggi Goreng Mamak. My knees too can wobble for this style. Quickly fried on the spot, there and then noodles (Mee Goreng Udang, Char Kway Teow, Anchovies Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fried Mee). Maybe not always, yet, I do yearn for and I usually request for lotsa veggies in Maggi Goreng Mamak. Can be a satisfying mind you even when we make it in our kitchen and of course, without compromising on cleanliness and according to our taste (Nyonya Mee Siam, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Hokkien Mee). Whichever and whatever ingredients we prefer, regardless, the essentials have to be Maggi instant noodle or noodles, chillies, soy sauce, and like I have already told you, throwing in lotsa vegetables.

Kacang Buncis Goreng Belacan (French Beans With Shrimp Paste)

Goreng-Goreng and our Malaysian goreng. Our goreng, especially if its a Malay style goreng must be a belacan goreng. What is belacan by the way (Sambal Belimbing Ikan Bilis, Sambal Terasi, Belacan Fried Rice & Sambal Belacan Ikan)? Belacan is definitely an ingredient seller for me. In other words, I so love belacan which can be overwhelming for some people. I really can't understand or don't know why these people cannot digest the smell of belacan, but myself? No problem. Belacan naturally will kick in when added into our Malaysian savory dishes or for the matter, when you stir fry vegetables (Sweet Potato Leaves Belacan & Kangkung Belacan). Also, when we speak about stir frying on the whole primarily, its about quickly frying in a jiffy (Mee Goreng Udang). Similarly, that's how we do it for Kacang Buncis Goreng Belacan (Kacang Buncis Tempeh Goreng). French beans, bilis/anchovies, home made belacan chili paste and of course, lime juice and a tiny bit of Gula Melaka for the spectacular savoury Malaysian tastes (Kerabu Kacang Botol, Sayur Lodeh & Taugeh Ikan Masin) in Kacang Buncis Goreng Belacan.

Lemon Bars

Made once before but it headed to almost to disaster. Not to say couldn't be eaten, but I personally didn't like how the pictures of the previous lemon bars.  So, I deleted the recipe after leaving it uploaded in this space of mine for a year. Not at all regrettable because when I decided to make Lemon Bars again, I already knew it. Which and what ingredients and also keeping the oven temperature in control for the birth of these Lemon Bars. Lemons of course, tell me about it? Scent and their tanginess and tartness (Lemon Cashew Rice &  Baked Lemon Chicken). Oh my, I can feel my tongue being tickled right now, and pretty much lemons jiving and dancing well in savory and sweet pleasures (Lemon Cream Pie & Lemon Buttermilk Cake). Naturally then, do we have say anything else when these Lemon Bars are a concern? Oh-my-my. Simply the melting and crumbling moment. The moment you daintily bite in and the scent of lemon an ultimate dessert time (Nescafe Ice Cream, Classic Genoise, Mandarin Orange Cake, Saffron Poached Pears & Chocolate Cheesecake).

Thai Fried Chicken

Honestly, fried chicken is not a regularity in my house. Most of the time, fried chicken is trended when we have a gathering and also, when family pops by, though I do from time to time cook chicken when its a meal on my own (Chilli Chicken, Chicken Kebab, Sesame Chicken & Sweet Chilli Chicken). Of course, like I have repeated donkey times (Sichuan Noodle Soup), my other half-half will not come any close to chicken and maybe that could be one of the reasons why fried chicken is like every now and then  when he is travelling (Tandoori Chicken, Baked Lemon Chicken, Curried Roast Chicken, Baked Cornflakes Chicken & Spicy Chicken Wings) What was the occasion why I made a different style of fried chicken on this particular day? Family popped by and the kids in the family,  in fact, kids these days just so love fried chicken (Ayam Goreng Berempah). What is the supporting reason for making Thai Fried Chicken?  Pretty much I had stock of the Thai ingredients. You know me right? Me and my love for Thai cooking (Lamb Massaman Curry, Tom Yum Goong, Thai Vegetable Curry & Thai Green Fish Curry). Thai paste made, tipped into chicken and simmered to half cook chicken and then fried to utter crispy on the outside and soft tenderness inside, and aroma taking center stage of my kitchen

Nyonya Mee Siam

Upgraded and updated. The simply fried Mee Siam heightened and enlivened to another style for the birth of Nyonya Mee Siam. Moreover, in between I also gave a good run to my cooking knowledge by making the gravy/kuah Singapore Mee Siam. Nyonya Mee Siam, aka Mee Siam Goreng personally for me, I think you know it. Me and my Nyonya cooking I picked up by lending my ears to my friends, watching cooking programs (Siamese Laksa Lemak) and of course, my own experience of testing and trying and making those Nyonya dishes. Also, when we speak about the Nyonya community, we have the Malacca Baba Nyonya and Penang Nyonya clan (Penang Acar, Penang Curry Mee & Penang Assam Laksa).

Indonesian Grilled Fish

Indonesian Grilled Fish or Ikan Bakar Indonesia. Sounds mouthwatering right? I know. Especially if you are spicy food lover like me and if you love all those traditional Indonesian tastes, including sourness from lime juice and saltiness from tauchu/fermented soy beans and terasi/belacan. Remember, can you still recall (Sambal Goreng Teri, Sambal Terasi & Ikan Belado? Plus, how can forget the rest of our Malaysian dishes? Cooked alongside almost similar ingredients and akin a spicy pop in our mouth (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Ikan Masak Kicap & Stingray Spicy Sauce). Also, maybe I should mention other fish recipes from our Asian continent which showcases spiciness, sourness and saltiness (Thai Crispy Fish, Hong Kong Steamed Fish, Cambodian Fish Soup & Vietnamese Fish Soup) too. Generally, as far as I know and as far as I have seen on cooking programs, quite a fair bit of ingredients are marinated or mixed alongside Indonesian Grilled Fish prior to grilling. But for my version, I kept it simple for grilling (Grilled Salmon), yet, when grilled fish is dipped into the accompanied Indonesian style sambal I made, trust me, nothing is compromised because its still a major revelation of the much loved boldness (Spicy Grilled Fish, Grilled Fish In Banana Leaf & Grilled Fish Sambal Stuffed).

Sambal Goreng Teri

What is Sambal Goreng Teri? Sambal Goreng Teri basically is an Indonesian Ikan Bilis/Anchovies Sambal. That's right. Says it all right? The popularity of crunchy and dried in the sun, salty tiny fish in Indonesia (Sambal Terasi & Ikan Balado) and we Malaysians? Oh-my, ask this typical Malaysian and she will unveil all of it (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Asam Pedas Ikan & Sambal Sotong) on ikan teri, or ikan bilis and sambal too (Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis, Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis, Ikan Bilis Mee Hoon & Sambal Udang Petai). Of course, even salted fish/ikan asin/ikan masin is an undisputed love for Malaysians and I think must be the love for Indonesians as well.  However, if you are expecting a typical Sambal Goreng Teri, either you will be disappointed or you will truly fall in love for my version. Different, unique and spicy power packed, some kacang panjang/long beans as well, and scented by serai/lemongrass Sambal Goreng Teri (Salted Fish Soup, Masak Lemak Ikan Masin & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin). 

Siew Yoke (Roast Pork Belly)

So, it must be in tandem right? When you have already had your hands-on in making Char Siu/Chinese Barbecue Pork, the next course of action must be Siew Yoke? Most probably. I think so. I actually felt that way too and I've been toying with the idea for a while until I was ready to take Siew Yoke by its Pork Belly. Aplenty recipes mind you and I must look up at the Chinese for their variants. Of course, after all, Siew Yoke is like a historical dish in the Chinese community and not amongst the Indians. Perhaps, just saying, I may be the first Indian, or there have already been other Indians, yet I did feel good I made Siew Yoke. My version. My own and of course the best people to check for recipes were my Chinese friends. Crispy cracking on the outside and soft tender biting moment inside, slightly sinfulness salty by limited the use of salt Siew Yoke, paired alongside a home-style chilli ginger dip/sauce.  

Singaporean Mee Siam

When you have already achieved your mile stone to an ordinary simply fried Mee Siam, the next course of action must be crossing beyond the Malaysian boundary for heading to the neighbouring country. Singapore or Singapura where there is no limits to noodle dishes (Char Kway Teow, Prawn Curry Laksa & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup) and of course, Singaporean Mee Siam inclusive. Honestly, will you believe me if I say I have not stepped into Singapore ever? I have not pretty much and don't ask me why or why not. I myself can't conclude despite planning and making a couple of attempts, but nothing took place. Regardless, I quite know about their noodles dishes. Of course, from tv programs and listening to friends who have worked or visited Singapore. Henceforth, I didn't have much trouble in coining this Singporean Mee Siam or Mee Siam Singapura (Singapore Laksa) and tell me please, how far different can the ingredients be (Sarawak Laksa, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Laksam Kelantan & Thai Fish Noodle Soup)? We still need the quintessential ingredients which by far, as far as I know, for this Thai origin and originality soupy noodle dish (Thai Mee Hoon Salad & Spicy Thai Noodles). Singapore Mee Siam. Perhaps not so close to other types of Mee Siam, yet its still rice noodles soaking in a spicy, aromatic, wondrous and tasty red hue gravy (Shrimp Pad Thai, Penang Curry Mee & Lamb Pho). 

Lamb Massaman Curry

Thai cooking and Thai cuisine for this lady? I quite know it all actually due to me and my cooking expertise and me having travelled around Thailand in a good bit. But I must confess I have never ever made Massaman Curry before. Of course there is always a first time and it all began by me peeping into a couple of recipe books and then, deciding on which ingredients will raise alongside each other in tandem for the big bold Thai profound tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Thai Crispy Fish, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Yellow Curry, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Thai Green Curry & Tom Yum Fried Rice). But considering that beef is generally the meat choice for Massaman Curry, I had to look for an alternative and lamb couldn't be by far the better or best. After all it's not mutton (Nepalese Mutton Curry), it has to be lamb for us (Lamb Spaghetti, Lamb Rogan Josh, Lamb Kofta Curry, Lamb Fried Rice, Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Pho). Lamb Massaman Curry? A must try aromatic, peppery, spicy and delicious till its last drop, another from the Thai curry family tree.

Tapioca Poriyal (Stir fry)

What is poriyal? Anyone like to help me out here? Okay, alright, I don't think I can clearly hear you, so let me tell you how would I describe Poriyal. Basically, its a stir fry. That's it. Case close. Lets not talk about poriyal anymore, rather, lets get to the recipe of the day. Tapioca Poriyal (Stir fry). Remember my previous recipe which also showcased tapioca (Stir Fried Tapioca With Anchovies Turmeric). Period. Almost two and more years up the road, I actually bought tapioca/cassava/maravallikkilanku again. I know. Been some time right? I know. Actually, I hardly buy, I myself can't really tell you why, but I still remember how popular eating boiled tapioca alongside fresh grated coconut and palm/white sugar was such a thing during my growing up year. The other mum does, of course, is any kind of spicy tapioca dish.